Think before you drink and drive

LANCASTER- Summer time is almost here and with friends and family planning numerous blow out parties, backyard barbecues, and even for those who enjoy the bar scene, it is inevitable that at some point things are going to get a little hazy. Driving while either intoxicated or drunk is dangerous and is the stupidest decision you will ever make.

Some will do the smart thing and not drink and drive, while others will take a chance behind the wheel which could result in a DWI arrest, or worse cause a motor vehicle accident killing an innocent person. It is worth it? Every single injury and death caused by drunk driving is absolutely avoidable.

When you make the choice to get behind the wheel after consuming more than the legal amount of alcoholic beverages, you are making a choice that not only affects you, but can also affect your family, your friends and anyone else involuntarily involved with your crime. With so much to lose, why risk it?

My job requires that I obtain the Lancaster Police reports and every week it never fails someone is being arrested for DWI. It doesn’t matter what age you are, young or old, it happens, but it is really sad to receive a report with a 21-year-old or even a 19 –year-old, under the legal drinking age, arrested for drinking and driving.

There are many who think coffee will sober you up, but it doesn’t. Neither will a walk or a cold shower. They may make you feel more awake, but you will be just as impaired, and it will be just as dangerous for you to drive.

The only way to reduce your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) after drinking is to wait for your body to metabolize the alcohol – and that takes several hours. The average person metabolizes about one drink each hour.

If you can’t wait for the alcohol to be eliminated from your body, be smart and find someone who has not been drinking to drive your car or give you a ride home, or call for a taxi. A group called Designated Drivers of Buffalo is also a great way to get home safe. The company offers a service that provides those under the influence of alcohol a safe responsible alternative. They will drive you home in the comfort and convenience of your own vehicle.

People can either call in advance for a ride home, before heading out for the night, or take advantage of their on-demand service.

When someone calls the service, they will send out a team of uniformed drivers to your location, and drive you and your car home, safely. Designated Drivers of Buffalo will save you money, time and the embarrassment that comes along with a DWI or DUI.

Designated Drivers of Buffalo can be contacted at 713-7703 or send an email to designateddriversofbuffalo@gmail.com.

It is important for everybody to stay safe this summer and think twice before getting behind the wheel of a car. Getting a DWI will change your life and not in a good way. Don’t make a stupid mistake.